1000+ Gazans Protest on Border with Israel but Avoid Serious Violence
JERUSALEM, Israel – More than 1,000 Palestinians demonstrated on the Gaza border Wednesday in protest of Israel’s blockade on the Hamas-run territory.
Some demonstrators hurled explosive devices, burned tires, and occasionally rushed the security fence. Israel beefed up its forces ahead of the rally in anticipation of violence, but ultimately, it did not rise to the level of violence seen in previous demonstrations. Israel’s military said it responded to the rioting using limited live fire and tear gas.
At least 14 Palestinians were wounded, including five people who suffered gunshots, Gaza media reported. None of the injuries were believed to be critical.
1000+ rioters and demonstrators gathered along the security fence in Gaza today. Rioters hurled explosive devices and burned tires. Our troops responded with riot dispersal means.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2021
We hold Hamas responsible for endangering civilians and are prepared to protect Israel. pic.twitter.com/GXqFnQPwoh
Egypt, which has been trying to broker a long-term ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas following the 11-day war in May, urged Hamas to decrease tensions on the border.
Soheil al-Hendi, a Hamas official, told The Associated Press the group had made a “great effort” to avoid bloodshed during Wednesday’s rally.
“We do not want to repeat what happened last Saturday when blood was spilled," he said.
This week, Israel and Gaza have engaged in their heaviest round of fighting since May.
On Saturday, Hamas-backed protesters rioted on the Gaza border and one of them shot an Israeli soldier at point-blank range. The soldier is in critical condition. Israel responded by opening fire on the protesters, wounding dozens of Palestinians.
***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***
Gaza terrorists have also launched waves of incendiary balloons into Israel, sparking small fires in the country’s south. Early on Tuesday, the Israeli military retaliated against the arson attacks by carrying out airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza. However, this did not deter the terror group, and by Tuesday afternoon, Gazans launched another round of balloons
“Our message is clear and explicit. This siege must be broken,” one of the militants, who identified himself as Abu Omar, told The Associated Press. “We will not be intimidated by any threats.”
The violence has complicated the cease-fire efforts by Egypt.
Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade over Gaza since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007. The blockade restricts the movement of goods and people in and out of Gaza and has dealt a severe blow to the local economy. Israel has tightened the blockade since the May war, conditioning the delivery of critical reconstruction materials on Hamas’ release of the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed during the 2014 war, and two civilians believed to be alive.
Last week, Israel reached an agreement with the Gulf country Qatar to resume monthly aid payments to Gaza's impoverished families. The payments are expected to start again in the coming weeks.
About The Author
